Things to do this week in Minneapolis & St Paul with your kids!
This guide covers Twin Cities family activities for the week of October 9-13, 2023. If you are in search of things to do with your family this weekend, jump over to our WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE.
For more autumn inspiration you can check the following for more fun ideas on what to do this week in the Twin Cities with your kids – satisfaction guaranteed (or close to it!)
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2023
The start of fall means open season for a new round of Tot Time open gyms across the Twin Cities. A saving grace for parents of squirrelly kids when playground season has come to an end.
SEE OUR FULL LIST OF TWIN CITIES TOT TIME OPEN GYMS THIS FALL!
Tot Time Open Gyms on Monday:
Let them bounce off someone else’s walls! Our list covers open gyms for tots across the Twin Cities where they can work their wiggles off either FREE or at a low cost to you.
See our full list of Twin Cities Tot Time Open Gyms this fall!
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- MAPLE GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $3/child)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (Type “family indoor playground” into the search box to see schedule for locations, FREE)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTER (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE
MONDAY FEATURED TOT TIME: Andover Community Center Tot Time
15200 Hanson Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304
FALL SESSION STARTS TODAY! Kids ages 6 & under can drop in for free play time and special activities like crafts, book swaps and storytimes. Be sure to check the calendar for the latest schedule. October 9, 2023, 9:30-11:30am. $5/child.
Twin Cities Storytimes on Monday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Columbia Heights & Coon Rapids Crooked Lake branch libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Chanhassen & Victoria branch libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Eden Prairie, Plymouth & Westonka library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Roseville, Shoreview & White Bear Lake library branches.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Rondo library.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIMES: Lakeland, Mahtomedi, Oakdale & Woodbury library branches.
MONDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Storytime with a Firefighter
Lakeville Heritage Library, 20085 Heritage Dr, Lakeville, MN 55044
Special storytimes in the Twin Cities in honor of Fire Prevention Week – which runs October 8-14, 2023 – include activities such as: meeting a firefighter, listening to stories about firefighting, climbing on a fire truck, and learning about fire prevention. October 9, 2023, 9:30-10am. FREE.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2023
Tot Time Open Gyms on Tuesday:
Let them bounce off someone else’s walls! Our list covers open gyms for tots across the Twin Cities where they can work their wiggles off either FREE or at a low cost to you.
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTER (Blast & Play, 9am-12pm, $5/child)
- LINO LAKES ROOKERY (Tot Time, 9am-12pm, ages 1-10, $4)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (Type “family indoor playground” into the search box to see schedule for locations, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
TUESDAY FEATURED TOT TIME: The Rookery Activity Center in Lino Lakes
Rookery Activity Center, 7690 Village Drive, Lino Lakes, MN 55014
A special Tot Time held in the gym for ages 1-10. Make sure your little ones wear socks for the bounce house! October 10, 2023, 9am-12pm, $4/child.
Twin Cities Storytimes on Tuesday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Johnsville & Northtown libraries, North Central, Circle Pines Centennial, St Francis & Rum River libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, NYA & Waconia branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Wescott, Burnhaven, Hastings Pleasant Hill, Lakeville Heritage, Robert Trail & South St Paul libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Excelsior, Maple Grove, Nokomis & Rogers library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Arlington Hills, Highland Park & St Anthony Park branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek, Stillwater & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
TUESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Fire Safety with Ham Lake Firefighters
North Central Library, 17565 Central Ave NE, Ham Lake, MN 55304
Following a fire-themed storytime, meet a firefighter, see their equipment and climb on a fire engine. October 10, 2023, 10:15am. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Tuesday: Fire Prevention Week in the Twin Cities
Hastings Fire Department Open House
Hastings Fire Department, 115 5th St W, Hastings, MN 55033
Talk to firefighters and EMS personnel about fire safety, spray a fire hose, walk through a smoke house and more! Tuesday, October 10, 2023; 11 am.-2 pm. Free.
Minnetonka Fire & City Open House
Central Fire Station, 14550 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, Minnesota 55345
Explore the Central Fire Station, go on a fire truck ride and view interactive demonstrations. Tuesday, October 10, 2023; 5pm-8pm. FREE. Drop in.
WHERE CAN I SEE A FIRE TRUCK? FIND MORE FIRE PREVENTION WEEK ACTIVITIES.
Mall of America Toddler Tuesday
This week features Baking Betty’s. Meet at the Rotunda. Plus, on Toddler Tuesdays you can purchase an unlimited ride wristband for Nickelodeon Universe for just $15 and kids eat free at participating restaurants w/ purchase of an adult meal. October 10, 2023, 11am-12pm.
HOT TIP! WHEN YOU VISIT, TAKE ALONG OUR MALL OF AMERICA GUIDE: FLOOR BY FLOOR.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2023
Tot Time Open Gyms on Wednesday:
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-10:30am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-12pm, $8/pp)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER (Preschool Playtime, 12-3pm, $8/child includes admission to Eagles Nest Indoor Playground)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTER (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
WEDNESDAY FEATURED OPEN GYM: Gleason’s Gymnastics Open Gyms
2015 Silver Bell Rd #180, Eagan, MN 55122
So flipping fun! This used to be a family go-to when the cold set in and my kids needed to get their wiggles out. Yours will love the opportunity to bounce on trampolines, scoot through obstacle courses, and play on the gym equipment. Register in advance for a discount. And hey, teens and tweens! There’s an open gym for you, too. October 11, 2023. Preschool open gym: Wednesdays & Fridays: 9:30 – 11:30am. Pre-register: $10/child; $15/family ($13/$20 at the door).
Twin Cities Storytimes on Wednesday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Johnsville & Northtown libraries, Coon Rapids Crooked Lake & Rum River libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Waconia & Watertown branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Burnsville Burnhaven, Lakeville Heritage, Robert Trail, South St Paul & West St Paul Wentworth libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Champlin, Minneapolis Central, Minnetonka, North Regional, Rogers, Southdale, St Anthony & Washburn branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & North St Paul branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Dayton’s Bluff, Rondo & West Seventh branch libraries.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Stillwater library branches.
WEDNESDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Storytime at Red Balloon Bookshop
891 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
We love to feature independent bookshops and encourage you to explore and support them. Red Balloon offers baby & toddler storytime each Wednesday. Get there early for the best seating! October 11, 2023, 10:30am.
More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Nature play
Discover a new nature playground
While we still can savor the autumn afternoons! This will likely be our final share of nature playgrounds until well after the spring thaw, so we’re choosing to go with the best: DISCOVERY HOLLOW NATURE PLAY AREA within the TAMARACK NATURE CENTER property. This natural playground has been designed with all the elements kids crave: fallen logs and stumps to balance on, sticks to build forts, beautifully-engineered and arranged boulders to clamber over and a sufficient amount of sand and water to keep them entertained for hours. 5287 Otter Lake Rd, White Bear Township, MN 55110.
Find more twin cities nature playgrounds to visit this fall!
More family fun ideas for Wednesday: Fire Prevention Week in the Twin Cities
Eagan Fire Department Open House
Eagan Fire Station #2, 1001 Station Trail, Eagan, MN 55121
Join Eagan Firefighters for their Fire Prevention Week Open House. Families can meet firefighters, see fire trucks and learn about fire safety. October 11, 2023; 5pm-8pm. Free.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023
Tot Time Open Gym on Thursday:
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTER (Blast & Play, 9am-12pm, $5/child)
- MINNEAPOLIS PARKS & REC (See schedule for locations, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
Twin Cities Storytimes on Thursday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Blaine Northtown, Circle Pines Centennial & Rum River libraries.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Chanhassen, Waconia & Watertown branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Wescott, Farmington, Inver Glen, Pleasant Hill, Robert Trail & West St Paul Wentworth libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Augsburg Park, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Oxboro, Plymouth & Wayzata branch libraries.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: New Brighton, Roseville & Shoreview branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: George Latimer & Hayden Heights library branches.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Bayport, Cottage Grove Park Grove, Forest Lake Hardwood Creek & Woodbury RH Stafford library branches.
THURSDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: Garden Storytime at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
1 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405
A naturalist hosts a different nature themed story each week within the Garden followed by an activity. Meet just outside the Visitor Shelter. Bring a blanket to sit on. October 12, 2023, 10am, FREE.
More family fun ideas for Thursday: Fire Prevention Week
Burnsville Fire Department Open House
Fire Station No. 1, 1427t Newton Avenue, Burnsville, MN 55337
Tour fire engines and ambulances, meet firefighters and learn how to create an escape plan for your home. October 12, 2023; 5:30-7pm. FREE.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE TWIN CITIES ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023
Tot Time Open Gyms on Friday:
- APPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER (9-11am, $15/membership pass or drop in option)
- APPLE VALLEY – MILLZ HOUSE (Open play 9am-4pm, $8/pp)
- BURNSVILLE – IGM GYMNASTICS (Ages 1-6, 9:30-11:30am, $10/child)
- EAGAN – GLEASON’S GYMNASTICS (K & under, 9:30-11:30am, pre-register for discount of $8/child or $10/family)
- ROSEMOUNT COMMUNITY CENTER (Parent/Tot Open Gym, 9:30-11am, ages 5 & under, FREE)
- ST PAUL RECREATION CENTERS (See schedule for locations, FREE)
FRIDAY FEATURED TOT TIME: IGM Gymnastics Preschool Open Gym
12117 Riverwood Dr, Burnsville, MN 55337
This is a special Open Gym time reserved just for kids ages 18 months to 5 years. Work out wiggles on the trampolines, balance beams, obstacle courses and foam pit. No need to pre-register for open gyms. October 13, 2023, 9:30-11:30am, $10/child or $15/family.
Twin Cities Storytimes on Friday:
- ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY: Fridley Mississippi library.
- CARVER COUNTY LIBRARY: Norwood Young America & Waconia branch libraries.
- DAKOTA COUNTY LIBRARY: Apple Valley Wescott, Farmington & Inver Hills Inver Glen libraries.
- HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY: Bloomington Penn Lake, Bottineau, East Lake, Eden Prairie, Maple Plain, Ridgedale, Roosevelt & Walker library branches.
- RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY: Mounds View & White Bear Lake branch libraries.
- ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Merriam Park library.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY: Cottage Grove Park Grove & Lake Elmo library branches.
FRIDAY FEATURED STORYTIME: White Bear Lake Fire Departmnet
White Bear Lake Library, 2150 2nd Street, White Bear Lake Minnesota 55110
This story time will feature the White Bear Lake Fire Department. Best for ages 2-5. October 13, 2023, 10:30am-11am. FREE.
More family fun ideas for Friday: Fall fun
Visit a Twin Cities pumpkin patch
28186 Kettle River Blvd., Wyoming, MN 55092
Today might just be it to hit up one of these Twin Cities pumpkin patches before Halloween. And even if you’re not in the market for a jack-o-lantern, these patches are crammed full of fall fun. This week our featured patch is PINEHAVEN FARM in Wyoming, Minnesota. Included in admission are a bundle of activities: playground equipment, mazes, all-terrain trikes, trolley rides and the jumping pillow. Read about our visit to Pinehaven Farm with kids here.
Explore our huge list of the best Twin Cities Pumpkin Patches!
More family fun ideas for Friday: Nature play & apples
Nature Playdate at Dodge Nature Center: A Is for Apple
1701 Charlton Street, West St. Paul, MN 55118 – farm entrance
Help harvest apples in the orchard for the farm animals and make some into apple cider. If you can’t make it to the program, the nature center property includes a working farm that is free and open to the public to observe from the trails. Pre-registration required. October 13, 2023, 10-11am, $10/child. LEARN MORE ABOUT DODGE NATURE CENTER, FIND PICTURES & ACTIVITIES.
There’s still time to visit a Twin Cities Apple Orchard
For the most part we’ve moved on to the pumpkin phase of fall, but many orchards are still open for pick-your-own apples and other activities. Check our big list of the best orchards in the Minneapolis-St Paul metro to see the possibilities. FERGUSON’S MINNESOTA HARVEST APPLE ORCHARD is still beckoning in the southwest metro. Admission is pricier than some orchards ($15/pp) but includes a TON of activities and a free season pass if you’d like to return. 8251 Old Hwy 169 Blvd, Jordan, MN 55352.
More family fun ideas for Thursday: Twin Cities Halloween Events
Anoka Halloween Movie Night in the Park
George Green Park, 1498 S 6th Ave, Anoka, MN 55303
Bring your own chairs, blankets and snacks for The Bad Guys & Friday the 13th in the park. October 13, 2023, 6:45pm. FREE.
Duluth & Case Halloween Party
Duluth & Case Recreation Center, 1020 Duluth St, St Paul, MN 55106
Games, arts and crafts and a bounce house. Wear your Halloween costume. October 13, 2023, 6-7pm, FREE.
Get excited for Halloween in the Twin Cities with our Ultimate Guide to Halloween Fun!
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TWIN CITIES, OCTOBER 14-15, 2023
Too many fun things to list here, I’ll tell you that. So we publish a separate guide each weekend with up-to-the-last-minute ideas for spending family time together. Here’s a sneak peek of what to look forward to this weekend in the Twin Cities:
- EAGAN: CAPONI ART PARK LEAF FEST
- EDEN PRAIRIE: HARVEST TO HALLOWEEN AT THE BARN
- LINO LAKES: WARGO NATURE CENTER FALL FESTIVAL
- MINNEAPOLIS: FREE INK DAY AT HIGHPOINT CENTER FOR PRINTMAKING
FIND TONS MORE KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS ON OUR TWIN CITIES FAMILY FUN CALENDAR!